Do you struggle with dry, flavorless chicken breasts? You are alone! This foolproof baked chicken breast recipe will change the way you cook chicken forever. We will discover how to achieve juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy results every time. Our “magic seasoning” and high-heat baking method guarantee perfectly cooked chicken.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

You will enjoy perfectly juicy and tender results every time.
The recipe offers quick, minimal preparation, perfect for busy weeknights.

You will savor a flavorful, crispy golden crust that adds incredible texture.
This versatile dish is easy to incorporate into many different meals.
It uses simple, everyday ingredients found in any pantry.
Even picky eaters will delight in this delicious, comforting meal.

Ingredients

For this incredible baked chicken breast recipe, you need just a few simple items.

Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 150-180g / 5-6 oz each
Olive Oil: 2 tsp good quality olive oil
“Magic” Seasoning Blend:
- 1 1/2 tbsp light brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme, or other herb of choice
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Garnish (Optional): Finely chopped fresh parsley

Notes & Substitutions

Even the largest chicken breasts cook perfectly with a little help. Pound thicker pieces to achieve even thickness. You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead for a slightly richer flavor. Feel free to substitute dried herbs like rosemary or sage for oregano. A touch of honey or maple syrup can replace brown sugar for a glaze. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend for a spicy kick.

Equipment

You only need basic kitchen tools for this easy baked chicken breast recipe.

Rimmed baking sheet
Aluminum foil or parchment paper
Meat mallet or a heavy rolling pin
Small bowl for mixing seasoning
Instant-read meat thermometer

Instructions

Let’s get started on these delicious baked chicken breast recipes!

Preheat your oven to 425°F/220°C (200°C fan).
Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness of 1.5 cm / 0.6 inches at the thickest part. Use a meat mallet, rolling pin, or even your fist; this ensures even cooking and tender results.
In a small bowl, thoroughly mix all the seasoning ingredients together.

Line your rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and then parchment paper. Place the chicken breasts upside down on the prepared tray.
Drizzle about 1 tsp of olive oil over the chicken. Rub it evenly over the surface with your fingers. Sprinkle half of the magic seasoning blend generously over the oiled chicken.
Flip the chicken breasts over. Drizzle the remaining 1 tsp of olive oil, rub it in, and then sprinkle the rest of the seasoning, covering as much surface area as possible.

Bake for 18 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should register 165°F/75°C when checked with a meat thermometer.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Immediately transfer the cooked chicken breasts to serving plates.
Wait 3–5 minutes before serving the chicken. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Enjoy your perfectly cooked, juicy chicken!

Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Chicken Breast

Pound Chicken Evenly: This step is crucial for uniform cooking and guarantees tender results.

Don’t Skip the Brown Sugar: It helps create a beautiful, flavorful crust and locks in moisture.

High Heat, Quick Bake: Baking at a high temperature promotes browning and keeps the chicken incredibly juicy.

The USDA recommends cooking all poultry to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat, as detailed in their guidelines for safe minimum internal temperatures.

Use a Meat Thermometer: An instant-read thermometer is your best friend for guaranteeing proper doneness and preventing any overcooking.

Resting the chicken after baking allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, leading to a much juicier final product, a technique supported by culinary experts for improving meat texture and moisture.

Rest the Chicken: Always rest the chicken for a few minutes after baking. This allows juices to redistribute, leading to a much juicier final product.

Avoid Overcrowding Pan: Ensure there is space between chicken pieces on the baking sheet for proper air circulation and browning.

Customize Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning blend to your taste preferences.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Serving Suggestions

This versatile baked chicken breast recipe pairs wonderfully with many sides. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. It’s also fantastic with rice, quinoa, or a simple side salad. Slice the cooked chicken for salads, pasta dishes, sandwiches, or wraps.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently to maintain its moisture and tenderness.

Variations

Lemon Herb: Add the zest of one lemon and a tablespoon of fresh chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme to the seasoning blend.

Spicy: Incorporate a pinch of chili flakes or a quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a fiery kick.
BBQ Chicken: During the last 5 minutes of baking, brush the cooked chicken breasts with your favorite BBQ sauce.
Air Fryer: Adjust the cooking time and temperature for your air fryer model to achieve a crispy exterior.

Nutrition

This estimated nutritional information is provided per serving for your convenience. One serving of this delicious baked chicken breast recipe (158g) contains approximately:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	286 cal
Carbohydrates	4 g
Protein	46 g
Fat	7 g
Saturated Fat	1 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	1 g
Monounsaturated Fat	1 g
Cholesterol	127 mg
Sodium	403 mg
Potassium	397 mg
Sugar	4 g
Vitamin A	325 IU
Vitamin C	1.7 mg
Calcium	11 mg
Iron	0.6 mg

Note that this recipe is a good source of protein, making it a great option for various dietary needs.

FAQ

Q: How do I prevent dry baked chicken breast?
A: Pound your chicken to an even thickness, use high heat, and always let it rest after baking to keep it juicy.

Q: What temperature and time are best for baked chicken breast?
A: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for approximately 18-20 minutes for perfectly cooked results.

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
A: You must ensure the chicken breasts are completely thawed before you begin the cooking process.

Q: How do I know if my chicken is cooked through?
A: The internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) on an instant-read thermometer.

Q: Can I meal prep with this recipe?
A: Absolutely! This baked chicken breast recipe is excellent for meal prepping because it reheats well and is versatile.

Conclusion

This baked chicken breast recipe proves that simple ingredients and easy steps can yield spectacular results. Say goodbye to dry, bland chicken and hello to a juicy, flavorful masterpiece every single time. Don’t hesitate to try this “magic seasoning” blend soon! We encourage you to share your experiences and explore our other quick and easy recipes.